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Colorado’s cities feature a wide variety of outstanding art that can be experienced throughout the seasons by visiting galleries and museums, attending fairs and festivals, and walking through neighborhoods. Here are some particularly unusual, under-the-radar options for groups in Colorado Springs and Vail.

More: Colorado’s Four Seasons for Groups

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum (CSPM) is the only institution researching, collecting and interpreting the robust history of Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region. Each year, the museum welcomes more than 50,000 visitors who learn what our community has been, what it is today and what it can become in the future. Group tours and rental space for up to 400 are available.

Founded in 1947, Fremont Center for the Arts is the oldest privately run art center West of the Mississippi River. The main gallery of the building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features rotating exhibits and a designated gallery displays part of the permanent collection, which is rotated throughout the year. Other multipurpose spaces on the lower level are used for classrooms, exhibits, performances and workshop space. Seating can be arranged in many different configurations in the gallery, and there is space for up to 115 people.

Painting with a Twist, which has locations throughout the country, has no less than five in Colorado Springs. Led by a local artist, participants create paintings in a highly social atmosphere. It’s great for groups—private sessions can be arranged—and no experience is required.

Ent Center for the Arts at University of Colorado, Colorado Springs—which opened last year—is a state-of the-art facility that features music and performing arts performances, as well as The Gallery of Contemporary Art, a 2,550-square-foot area.

Vail

Vail boasts more than 30 art galleries, featuring international, local, traditional and contemporary pieces. It also boasts a public art collection consisting of more than 45 works, including painting, sculptures, murals, playground components and site-integrated art. A full-color, printed map of the collection is available at Vail Village and Lionshead welcome centers.

The area is also known for its art festivals, which generally take place during the summer. Vail Arts Festival features more than 80 artists coming from 22 states to show their best work. The three-day celebration—which will take place June 22–24, includes digital art, paintings, drawings, sculptures, fiber, glass, graphics and print-making, metal works, wood, mixed media, ceramics, photography, jewelry and fashion.

The annual Beaver Creek Arts Festival in August feature artists from 30 different states who showcase their works, including paintings, pottery, glass, mixed media and jewelry. Contemporary, original works are offered at affordable prices and admission is free. Beaver Creek is 13 miles southwest of Vail.

Vail Farmers’ Market & Art Show, which takes place every Sunday during the summer, draws some 220,000 people. The main focus is on farm and food products, but show organizers have found that including artists has helped make the market attractive to a larger audience of visitors.

Read more about Colorado’s outstanding features in Dan Johnson’s story, “Blending with Nature: Each of Colorado’s 4 Distinct Seasons Offers Unique Options for Planners,” in the April issue of Smart Meetings.

April 1 marked four years that Association for Women in Events (AWE) has been bringing industry members together as a community dedicated to the professional advancement of women. The group has grown tremendously in that time, recalled board President Julie Sullivan during the group’s first virtual happy hour on Monday.

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A Convergence of Women for a Cause

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AWE launched its first event, Elevate!, in March at Mandarin Oriental Washington, D.C., featuring a conversation with Sarah Hurwitz, Michelle Obama’s speechwriter. The gathering put the dynamic attendees at the center of the discussion by including an Elevate Stories area where they were encouraged to share personal journeys and get actionable feedback. Of course, they also had access to adoptable puppies, makeovers, headshots and feminist apparel from Article22. A fundraiser brought in $1,500 for End Child Prostitution and Trafficking (EPCAT).

The event also took time to take stock of progress the #MeToo movement has made in the industry in the past year—and what still needs to be done. Courtney Stanley, a creative at CS Consulting, and Sarah Soliman Daudin, president and CEO of Soliman Production, who are open about their experiences being harassed, spoke about their mission to make it easier to have conversations around the challenges women face. The pair recently founded Sarah x Courtney and launched CAPTURE, a professional development platform that uses storytelling to deliver the #MeetingsToo message and help women grow their careers. In addition to talks such as the one given at AWE, they are also working with companies through human resources department to do training. Video interviews of male and female leaders at focused workshops share the challenges and solutions inspirational members of the industry faced as a way to help others not feel so alone.

Future Focused

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AWE Co-founder and new Executive Consulting Officer Carrie Abernathy sees more growth in the coming year. “My vision in the beginning was to create a community where women could feel safe and find resources to elevate their own careers. Today, the vision stays similar, but the future looks global and the scale is much larger,” she said. She wants to keep that sense of community while honoring the women—and men who support women—through AWE’s Hall of Fame awards. “We also want to create global resources and help connect people peer-to-peer, because I believe that is where our best resources come from—the experience of others in our tribes,” she said.

In an attempt to bring more resources to the “movement” and inspire everyone in the events community, AWE has opened up webinars to everyone and made it easier to join at a level that makes sense to more people in the industry.

007 tech

Advanced technology has become as much a part of the event professional experience as binders and checklists. Hotels have adopted digital concierge, smartphone check-in and robots. Now convention and visitors bureaus are using what were once considered gee whiz gadgets to create memorable trips for visitors and make the planner job visibly easier.

Meet AC

Almost a year ago, Meet AC partnered with YouVisit to provide a virtual reality (VR) experience in Atlantic City. With the use of a VR headset, mobile phone or web browser, potential visitors can explore the city’s convention center and its surrounding areas before making a visit.

The 360-degree, panoramic tour allows planners to explore Atlantic City in a new way. Inspecting sites in this innovate way saves busy event professionals time and money—always a plus.

Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority

Across the country, Vegas VR puts planners in the middle of The Strip. Armed with the app, a smartphone and a VR viewer—such as Google Cardboard, planners can experience 12 interactive, 360-degree videos of adventures to be found in Vegas, including ziplining above Fremont Street and driving through Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

More: 4 Ways Artificial Intelligence Makes Travel Smarter

AI has also become a part of packages at several properties in Sin City. For example, Ivy was introduced to four Caesars Entertainment properties, including Caesars Palace and The Linq Hotel & Casino. Via text messaging with Ivy, you’re able to make dining and spa reservations at the property.

Vdara Hotel & Spa features Fetch and Jett, autonomous robots. With advanced technology, Fetch and Jett can seamlessly navigate around obstacles on the way to their destination. No need to worry about theft, as their tamper-proof lids prevent any foul play until they reach their location.

Visit Newport Beach

In Newport Beach, California, an even more personalized concierge service called Ask Marina has recently been unveiled. Based on a series of questions, Ask Marina will provide a list of suggestions with restaurants, hotels and activities.

More: Virtual Concierges Are Here and At Your Service

Ask Marina is different in that, when your location is on—and depending on several factors, such as mood, the crowd you’re with and experience you’re looking for—the service provides real-time recommendations for activities, restaurants and hotels as you go about your day. Think of it as an extra hand in showing attendees a great time around the city.

Augusta Convention & Visitors Bureau

Augusta & Co. is a new concept that has recently been unveiled by the Augusta Convention & Visitors Bureau. This space will serve as a one-stop shop for locals and visitors to learn about the about the city—from local products and restaurants to artists and authors.

In addition to learning about the city, visitors will also be able to purchase locally-sourced merchandise and goods. Visitors who would like to connect with the city will have the opportunity, as they can engage with the locals themselves in various ways, such as tastings with local brewers and book signings by Augustan authors.

Passionists are on the way and Red Roof is ready for them. Passionists—comic book conventioneers, gamers and cosplayers—are a new subset of road-tripping travelers looking to experience their passions first-hand at events across the country. While some are enjoying their favorite hobbies on vacations, others are making careers out of them.

Budget Heroes for Passionists

Red Roof says these passionate travelers are looking for budget-friendly accommodations as they chase their favorite activities. And while they are budget-conscious, their desire to travel and tap into passion-driven activities isn’t going away. On the contrary, their activities will continue to increase, the company reports.

Red Roof, known for responding quickly to consumer desires, is rewarding these travelers for their love of events, competitions and convention while enticing them with special incentives and discounts, such as a 15 percent discount at locations across the country. Passionate travelers can grab their discounts while using Red Roof’s “Along the Route” feature to instantly find a property as they move from event to event.

“Whether it’s the passion of dressing up in cosplay at comic conventions or the thrill of being the first to build up to 21 points in a cornhole competition, passionate pursuits are driving a segment of travel that Red Roof is addressing with targeted events and promotions,” said Marina MacDonald, chief marketing officer for Red Roof. “Gamers and comic book fans, in particular, are loyal, devout Passionists and Red Roof knows that affordable lodging is key as they travel across country to attend some of their favorite happenings.”

Sweeping the Geek Community

Starting in March and ending in October at New York Comic Con in New York City, Red Roof, in partnership with ReedPop, a global producer of pop culture events, will participate at several gaming and comic book conventions to kick off “Red Roof’s Road to New York Comic-Con Sweepstakes.” The company will join passionate conventioneers at Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo in Chicago and PAX West in Seattle.

As part of the sweepstakes, fans can enter to win the ultimate VIP fan experience. The grand prize includes roundtrip airfare, a VIP pass to New York Comic Con, a meet-and-greet celebrity experience, spending money and a stay at Red Roof’s newest Red Collection property, Lord & Moris Times Square Hotel in New York City. Sweepstakes winners will be selected in mid-September. Additional promotions and partnerships appealing to Passionists will continue throughout 2019.

When Senior Planners Industry Network (SPIN) opens SPINCon 2019 at Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa November 3, it will be the realization of 20 years of SPIN Executive Director Tracey Smith’s quest to take the event to one of her favorite California Coastal cities. In previously years, the event was held at The Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach, Florida, and Grapevine, Texas. “Those were special locations, but we found that we have a lot of members on the West Coast and it is a great reason for those of us on the East Coast to come to California,” she said.

Focus on Sustainability

Since the opening reception will be held at Monterey Bay Aquarium, Smith is relying on the chef there to come up with some creative examples of ways to be more sustainable in what is served and how. Whether it is plant-based shrimp entrees or an increased effort to limit waste, it will be a chance to learn the latest approaches to conservation against a backdrop of glowing jellyfish.

Game of Planning

Beyond the location, Smith is trying some new things, as she does every year. Planners and suppliers will be grouped in teams to compete in Ellen DeGeneres Game of Games-style competitions that won’t require anyone to dunk themselves in a pool of spaghetti sauce, but close. The theme is “Are you Game?” Competitions will be CMP-relevant, with questions that would be applicable for event professionals, such as, “How many individual drinks in a bottle of wine?” Although it might depend on who is pouring it, there is a correct answer, according to Smith. Housekeeping staff will judge the making of a bed competition and wait staff will judge the setting of a table.

Quiz: Are You Ready to Add CMP to Your Name?

“Silly games are a way to help people be human and break out of the trade show mentality,” she explained.

Solutions for the Whole Planner

Also new last year, and something that will be continued for 2019, is a call for attendees to submit session topic ideas which will be voted on and then scheduled. Smith sees this crowdsourced approach as being in line with the group’s mantra of “by our members, for our members.”

SPIN’s goal has always been to take care of the whole person: brain, body, being and business. The event will end with a celebration of the 40 over 40 awards in keeping with the group’s focus on advanced event professional support. However, Smith is excited about how many new members are earning their decade of experience and bringing their energy and ideas. “We are growing and while we will still address things such as contracts and negotiations with vendors, our membership is also asking for an emphasis on finding unique and different ways to delight attendees,” Smith said.

To that end, she is determined to model innovative approaches that appeal to different learning styles so there is something for everyone. Registration opens in early summer.

Despite a healthy economy, meeting planners and hoteliers are struggling with their budgets. Costs continue to rise, while budgets remain the same—or, in some cases, even decrease.

This is just one of the top problems Teneo Hospitality Group found in its recent 2019 survey, comprised of responses from 150 meeting planners and hoteliers. The results continue to follow the trends; keeping up with technology is still crucial for successful events, while creativity cannot be lacking if you hope to have an interesting and engaging meeting.

More: Hack Your Event Budget

Money and Menus on Meeting Planners’ Minds

It’s no surprise that budgets are at the forefront of a planner’s mind. While management may want to throw a lavish bash, planners must do it all in a constrained budget. This can be difficult with costs and expectations constantly rising, while budgets stay roughly the same. The survey also reports that budget increases from various corporate departments can have an effect on the entire process, from training staff to contract negotiations.

With millennials and Gen Z beginning to take over the industry, event professionals are tasked with creating more engaging and entertaining activities. That is a positive trend as the interactive components can help everyone get more out of the experience. The downside: this also increases costs.

More: Budget Increases Are on the Rise in 2019

Another pain point: food and beverage. With complex diets—gluten-free, Keto and vegan—increasing, pleasing everyone can be a challenge. Increased complexity usually results in increased costs. Sustainability has also become more prevalent and planners are constantly looking for ways to reduce waste. All of this adds up.

Time is Running Out, Tech is Rising

Time pressure is also stress-inducing. Lest you want to avoid the poor planning of Fyre Festival, you must plan in advance. But with so many different aspects of an event to worry about, there is constant worry that something may have slipped through the cracks. Frustration also comes from the tendency for short-term details to overtake long-term, strategic planning.

Mobile Apps But technology still remains one of the biggest challenges for event managers. Hoteliers and planners expressed an inability to keep up with technology, with attendees often more prepared and aware of the newest tech. The breakneck speed of adoption also sideswipes attempts to train and plan.

While white boards and LCD media players may still play a role in events, attendees who have grown up with social media and interactive apps will most likely want more. That costs money and brings us back to the budget discussion.

GMID — Photo credit: Meetings Mean Business

Are you looking for the best place to represent your meetings industry pride on April 4? Global Meetings Industry Day events all over the country will promote the power of face to face as an economic, scientific and cultural force.

More: Meetings Mean Business Telling Stories That Matter

From Cape Town, South Africa; and Victoria, Australia; to Madrid, Spain; Alberta, Canada; and Austin, Texas, event professionals will come together to network and learn. Some gatherings will take the form of panel discussions on industry issues. Others will more closely resemble a rally to raise awareness of the cause. One emphasis this year will be on getting elected officials involved by requesting proclamations.

San Francisco

This epic gathering of the Northern California chapters of PCMA, MPI, ILEA, SPIN, IAEE, GMIC, HSMAI and SITE with NACE Silicon Valley Chapter, Bay Area Business Travel Association and Corporate Event Marketing Association will happen at Hilton San Francisco Union Square, sponsored by Giants Enterprises, San Francisco Travel and Hilton. The evening will raise funds for ECPAT-USA, an organization focused on eliminating sexual exploitation of children around the world, and St. Anthony Foundation, a support network for Bay Area homeless.

Southern California

GMID SoCal at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena will be the one time all year that local chapters of PCMA, MPI, SITE and ILEA come together. The afternoon will include educational sessions on data-driven event design from Sand Diego State University and MPI Academy, and will end with the Wait-Out-the-Traffic afterparty, with entertainment and dessert.

San Diego

MPI San Diego Chapter will honor Margie Sitton, senior vice president of sales at San Diego Tourism Authority. The event will take place at San Diego Air & Space Museum.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority is bringing the industry together for the Building a Better Economy event to showcase the industry’s strength. Educational sessions, tours and a celebration on The Strip will unite planners and suppliers in delivering a vivid message about the power of meetings.

Denver

Meetings Industry Colorado, a collection of 13 organizations that just closed out its 19th annual educational conference, will gather at Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel for a panel discussion of the future of the industry and some Rocky Mountain networking.

Orlando

The Greater Orlando chapters of MPI, SITE and PCMA will unite for a day of networking and education, featuring Rock Star Impact founder Brant Menswar speaking on changing what’s possible. Other speakers will focus on sustainability in events, and the state of tourism.

Washington, D.C.

The PCMA Capital Chapter and MPI-Potomac chapter are gathering to celebrate growing advocacy from coast to coast. The morning Hill Day Training Program, followed by Hill Appointments, will focus on changing hearts, minds and policy.

New York City

The city that never sleeps will shine blue for GMID as seven iconic buildings, including One World Trade Center, Javits Center and Coney Island Parachute Jump, will be flush with blue lights to mark the occasion. Delegations from the city will also be present across at other celebrations, including visits in Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Minnesota as well as Kansas City, Missouri, and Seoul, South Korea.

Montreal

A presentation at Hotel Bonaventure Montreal about sustainable leadership and the responsibilities of influence from Kathleen Sears, founder of KSears Institute, will pay forward the concept of supporting organizations at the highest levels.

Toronto

MPI Toronto Chapter will be exploring the solutions to human trafficking, career development and meetings in a newly legal cannabis world during a discussion let by Constance Wrigley-Thomas, CEO of Essentient Association Management & Events; Tania Ferlin, volunteer at Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking; Jay Rosenthal, president of Business of Cannabis; Dela Kumapley, events manager at Lift & Co.; and Matt Maurer, vice chair of Cannabis Law Group.

Virtual MPI

If you can’t make it to one of the organized celebrations, MPI will be live broadcasting featured education activities from chapters across the country starting at 6 a.m. Central Time. You can hear how social media is changing everything from Ross Simmonds at MPI Atlantic Canada Chapter, how to go from harried to healthy from speaker Kelly Treadway and how to create memorable experiences inside the meeting room from Alexander deHilster and Daphne Wood at MPI North Florida chapter.

Whatever you do on that Thursday, share it with Smart Meetings readers and the world using #GMID19 and #MeetSmart.

Sure, you can hit the live music scene after a day of meetings in Austin, Texas; Portland, Oregon; and New Orleans. But these quirky cities offer a whole lot more. Show attendees the extra umph they’ve been missing with unusual, hyperlocal experiences in the conference room and out—and don’t shy away from getting a little weird with it.

Austin, Texas

The Hyatt Regency Austin unveiled an entire Austin-experiences package last year to take group extracurriculars to the next level—goat yoga. Consider, also, booking a painted tattoo artist, an on-site poet or an armadillo race for your next event.

Get Your Ohm on with a Bahhhh-ng

Attendees will get a literal kick out of this 45-minute indoor or outdoor vinyasa flow class that incorporates goats for petting and poses. Or, opt for a pints and poses class that includes yoga and craft beer. Talk about Greatest of All Time.

Breakout with Your Boat Out

Celebrate Austin’s unofficial title—the hometown of YETI Coolers—by bringing your breakout session to Lady Bird Lake. Attendees can eat, drink and brainstorm on a boat ride with Insta-worthy Austin views and custom coozies to immortalize the experience. Afterwards, bring them by the hotel’s Terrarium Bar to build their own green globe.

Say It and Spray It with Graffiti

This one’s real easy. Ask the hotel to hang up a big, black canvas at your venue, add a basket of spray paint and you’ve got yourself an interactive graffiti wall that encourages attendees to let loose and get creative. Plus, it makes a great photo backdrop for your event.

Portland, Oregon

Have you ever thought to yourself, this is such a Libra wine? Neither have we. Expand your hor-wine-zons in Portland and consider adding a DIY-donut-station or bike-and-brew tour to your agenda.

Pair Your Wine with Your Astrological Sign

Portland Pairings will custom pair wines with a lot more than cheese. Host an event at the shop so attendees can drink the perfect organically-sourced wine for their astrological sign, favorite song or preferred dog breed. They also offer small group pairing classes.

Soak on It in Style

Just how weird do you want to get? Portland Tub and Tan offers indoor and outdoor hot tub rooms for an unusual way to brainstorm, complete with built-in fireplaces, large-screen tvs and the occasional disco-themed room. Or you could hit the Terwilliger Hot Springs on a day trip.

New Orleans

If you’re willing to go the extra mile in your planning, New Orleans delivers with bells (and beads) on. For in-house entertainment, consider adding a tarot card reader to your meeting agenda.

Second Line Your Attendees to the Second Act

Book a second line parade to get attendees moving and grooving through the meeting agenda in style. With a private jazz band, extravagant stilt walkers, police escorts and spectators looking on, attendees will feel like the belles of Bourbon Street. Do it the Smart Meeting way by tossing out beads and ending the parade at Nola’s Costume Museum.

Get All Hands on Deck with a Crawfish Boil

This is not your average conference meal. Attendees can get their hands dirty and stomachs full dining on a time-honored New Orleans tradition—the crawfish boil. Book through a catering company or host your own, just remember to lay down some newspaper. (Plates available, but not encouraged!)

Transition seamlessly from day meeting to evening fun at The Westin Birmingham. The Westin allows meeting planners to get more from your meeting with its state-of-the-art meeting facilities, prime location near the state’s largest convention center and Uptown Birmingham entertainment just steps away. After hosting a productive meeting, we are highlighting five tried and true ways to turn an ordinary meeting to a business unusual experience.

Live Music at Todd English P.U.B.

Switch gears and unwind with live music at Todd English P.U.B. Located onsite at The Westin Birmingham and known for its modern twist on traditional English pub fare, Todd English pairs perfectly with live music from local musicians in an intimate setting.

Group Outing at Topgolf Birmingham

Leave your handicap at the door. Golfers of all levels are welcomed to enjoy team building and friendly competition. Win or lose, expect an evening here to be a big hit. Topgolf offers upscale amenities, great food and full-service bars.

Uptown Birmingham

Just steps from The Westin Birmingham, organize a dine-around and choose from multiple eateries at Uptown Birmingham. From Eugene’s Hot Chicken to Texas de Brazil, guests can enjoy a variety of dining options. As another option, enjoy a Broadway in Birmingham dinner and theater evening. BJCC Concert Hall is no more than a 10-minute walk away.

Talladega Superspeedway

If you’re looking for adventure, get ready to hear the rumble of powerful engines and experience heart racing speeds of more than 200 mph at Talladega Superspeedway. Talladega celebrates its 50^th anniversary this spring and visitors can expect the celebration to last all year long. Elevate your experience on race day with fan favorites like pit passes and scanner rentals.

Year-Round Festivals

Birmingham’s season of festivals and fun grows larger each year making wish you had more time to stay. Make it a long weekend and enjoy an array of concerts and festivals catered to music, arts, film and food. Popular festivals include Magic City Art Connection in the spring and Trucks by the Track in the summer.

Looking ahead: Exciting developments are on the horizon for Birmingham. In preparation for hosting the World Games, an Olympic-style competition, a new 55,000 seat stadium is being built to host the competition as well as offer visitors more options for tourism and entertainment. Just one more reason to host upcoming meetings in this southern city with cosmopolitan charm.

There aren’t many places like Northern California, which has an abundance of beaches, wineries and tech companies, and is, of course, home to San Francisco and Silicon Valley, among other outstanding features. Hotels, including the following, are reaping the benefits of being in such an idyllic place.

Yotel San Francisco

This hotel occupies the refurbished Grant Building, one of three structures that survived both the 1906 and 1989 earthquakes. Fitting with the Silicon Valley ethos, this 203-room property embraces technology, with features such as a self-check-in kiosk and adjustable SmartBeds, which are in all premium “cabins.”

Yotel SF

The Westin St. Francis, San Francisco

Boasting 56,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, The Westin St. Francis recently gave new life to three of its event rooms. Sitting on the 32nd floor, the Golden Gate and Mission Bay rooms offer incredible views of the city and bay through their floor-to-ceiling windows. This is the only hotel on Union Square, and its Colonnade Room provides a bird’s eye view of the energized area; here you can host an event for up to 200 people.

park-james-18-10-08_Photo Credit David Livingston

Park James, Menlo Park, California

Upon entering, a sign reads “No Strangers Here, Only New Friends,” an encouraging social reminder. This 61-room boutique hotel is in the tech capital of California, just a brief walk from the Facebook headquarters. Meetings are plentiful in this business-focused area, and Park James offers 1,200 sq. ft. for them. Designed for the business travelers and long-term guests, the spacious guest rooms provide a sense of home-like comfort.

Olea Hotel, Sonoma, California

Following the Northern California wildfires, Olea Hotel picked itself up by the bootstraps and reopened. This boutique hotel is in the small town of Glen Ellen. It includes only 13 guest rooms and two cottages, offering comfort, intimacy and relaxation. The property features two cozy meeting spaces and an outdoor terrace.